Telegram-herald., 1887-09-02
DEATH OF D. R. UTLEY
PARALYSIS CARRIES hiw AWAY.
Something of Bfs History Connection
With the Newspapers and Church
Choir sad Admiration for
Miss Emma Abbot.
The old residents Of Grand Rapids win be

The old residents Of Grand Rapids will be
pained 10 learn OF the death Of Dwight
X. Ut,ey. Of 10 6cnbner-st., which occurred
last evening. he immediate cause being a
stroke OF paralysis about 10 O'Clock WedEes-
day night. The deceased was born IN
bridgeport. New York. IN 1919. but when
quite young moved with his family to
Leroy. N. y. where they conducted large
farm. In 1899 they moved 20 Portland. n.
Y, living there until 1855 when they came
TO this city.
Mr. Utley in business life was engaged IN
circulating various newspapers. first taxing
charge of that department Of the Semi
Ueckts Press in 1888, then published by
Thompson s Benedict. Ia 1888 and 1860
lie had charge OF the old Enquirer published
by A. l.. Gordon and asterward by Il. ID.
Burr IN 1851 he was teudered tie olron-
ls.ion OF the Daily Eagle shich he held until
1875 when failing health compelled him
10 retire from active business duties and
sincs which time be hes done bat very little.
In social circlec lie was closely identified
with the musical world and his clear voice
has been often heard In our church choirs.
lie first became quite active in 1856. when
with Or. ID. w. Bliss, of Washington, Miss
Prcntiss now Mrs. Lee. Mrs. Wenham and
Mrs. Thomas Church, of this city, be sang
at ST. Marks church. For years he was
leader OF the choir of the PARK Congrega-
tional Church and afterwsrd in the Baptist
Church. BE vas a great favorite OF the
prima donna, Miss Emma Abbott. who
came to Grand Rapids for the first time
with letter Of introduction 10 Mr.. A. b..
Turner and the deceased assisted her in
organizing and conducting the first public
concert in which she appesred-in 1867.
As token Of her respect for him Miss
Abbott presented him her picture hand
soinely framed and bearing the inscription:
"D. r. Utley, a souvenir OF friendship from
Miss Emma Abbott" He priced the SOU
yenir very highly was proud 10 show it to
| his friends End never missed hearing Miss
Abbott wLgn she visited the city. He was
also a very intimate friend of The late
| Mayor Lowell Hall at whose funeral he
was one Of the most sincere mourner,.
| Mr. Utley's death will be deeply felt in the
household and create void in the circle in
which be moved, which cannot be filled.
| lhe cordial sympathy Of the community IS
extended 10 those OIL whom this ailliction
| falls with the heaviest weight. He leaves
an aged wife and three children, J. D.
| Utley, treasurer of the Nelson & Matter Fur
| niture Company; William r. Utley, Of Chi
| cago, snd Mary Ella, now at home. A son
! Charles g., preceded him in death in 1882
| at Kansas City.
The funeral services will occur at the
| residence at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon,
| Rev. A. x. Merriam officiating, ard the re-
mains will be inferred in the Valley City
cemetery. Members of his old church choir
| l.. 2. Eddy, Mrs. d. Il. Shedd and Mrs. h.
| X. Wilson will furnish the music. He was
also a member of the Old Settlers As.ocia
ton and the members will attend the fun
| eral in a body.